Whitecaps FC name Dr. Rick Celebrini head of sports medicine and science

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of Dr. Rick Celebrini to their medical team as head of sports medicine and science. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Dr. Rick Celebrini – Whitecaps FC head of sports medicine and science

-Co-founder and partner in the MultiSport Centre of Excellence (scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012)

-Formerly the chief therapist and manager of medical services to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games organizing committee (VANOC)

-Previous experience also includes work with Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns,Seattle Seahawks, NHLPA, and Canadian National Alpine Ski Team

-Played four seasons as a defender with Whitecaps FC (then known as Vancouver 86ers)

“Rick Celebrini is a world-class physiotherapist, with over two decade’s worth of experience in the field,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Last year, Rick joined our team as a consultant and his efforts paid immediate dividends for our players and staff. We are thrilled to have Rick Celebrini join our club in this larger role as head of sports medicine and science.”

Celebrini, who is a co-founder and partner in the MultiSport Centre of Excellence scheduled to be completed later this fall, will oversee the Whitecaps FC sports medicine and science team. This includes head athletic trainer Jake Joachim, physiotherapist Graeme Poole, as well as a comprehensive practitioner team that provide a holistic health approach. Celebrini is an internationally-recognized sports and orthopedic physiotherapist. He received his PhD in rehabilitation services from the faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia(UBC) in 2011.

“In working with Vancouver Whitecaps FC last season, I know what a first-class organization this is,” said Celebrini. “As an alumnus, I am proud to be joining Whitecaps FC in this expanded role and I’m looking forward to contributing to the club’s success in its second season in Major League Soccer.”

Celebrini has been and will continue to be part of the senior leadership team with the MultiSport Centre of Excellence Group. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Celebrini was the chief therapist and manager of medical services to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games organizing committee (VANOC). In addition, Celebrini has enjoyed various stints as a therapist and consultant with theCanadian National Alpine Ski Team, NBA basketball’s Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, NFL football’s Seattle Seahawks, and the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA).

Celebrini’s professional soccer career included four seasons as a defender for Whitecaps FC from 1992 to 1995, including the last two as captain, when the club was then known as Vancouver 86ers. He also played two seasons with Edmonton Brick Men of the Canadian Soccer League and represented Canada during the 1987 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Celebrini also played Canadian college and university soccer with Capilano University and UBC.

Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer season tickets start at $329, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including loge seats andsuites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.